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WATCH HERE: Strictly Come Dancing judges branded ‘harsher than ever’ for 2025 seriesThe Strictly Come Dancing judge also faced backlash for comments to Karen Carney on Saturday evening

Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has sparked controversy after suggesting pregnant professional dancer Dianne Buswell and her celebrity partner Stefan Dennis need to increase their practice time following Saturday night’s error-laden performance.

The 66-year-old Neighbours actor, who is this series’s oldest competitor, had performed a Cha Cha to Give It Up by KC and The Sunshine Band, earning just 17 points from the judging panel.

 

Ms Mabuse praised the duo’s partnership and energy, describing them as “like sunshine when you pair up together” before addressing what she called “the elephant in the room”.

She highlighted numerous small errors throughout the routine, prompting boos from the studio audience.

“There were guys, sorry, let’s just be honest,” Ms Mabuse told the crowd. “Just let’s try next time to rehearse and stick to the routine.”

The 36-year-old Australian professional, who is expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg, immediately challenged the judge’s critique during the live broadcast. “I don’t know how much more we can rehearse, Motsi!” she responded.

BBC Strictly: Dianne Buswell keeled over in exhaustion following Mabuse’s comments

When Ms Buswell protested about their rehearsal schedule, Ms Mabuse persisted: “Find a way, I don’t know, we have to get one performance without those tiny tiny creepers in there.”

Mr Dennis later revealed he had been “petrified” before taking to the dancefloor, acknowledging the routine had completely “stumped” him.

The reigning champion professional is the first dancer to compete whilst pregnant in the show’s history. She announced before the 2025 series launch that she and Mr Sugg, her 2018 celebrity partner, were expecting a baby boy.

BBC insiders previously confirmed that welfare protocols are in place for all participants, with sessions featuring regular breaks and rest periods. The rehearsals are reportedly tailored to accommodate both dancers’ needs.

BBC Strictly: Motsi Mabuse was unsympathetic

| BBC

The programme introduced stricter training limitations in 2023 following internal misconduct investigations. Couples are now restricted to 48 hours of practice weekly, equivalent to eight hours daily across six days, with mandatory chaperones present during all training sessions.

Social media users swiftly condemned the judge’s remarks. On X, one Strictly viewer hit out: “Such a horrible comment to make. That will make people think they haven’t put the time in.”

A second weighed in: “I thought Strictly capped the amount of hours they could rehearse to 8 hours a day? So how can the judges be giving out comments like ‘you need to rehearse more’ when they’ve been doing their 8 hours a day… every day. They aren’t allowed.”

Elsewhere, a third fumed: “Dianne was NOT happy with the ‘rehearse more’ comment and I’m glad because I nearly jumped out of my seat in anger lol #strictly.”

“I feel like telling the eldest contestant with the pregnant pro to rehearse more when they have been doing long days, and it’s clear it was because of nerves and not lack of rehearsal is an extremely unfair thing to say #Strictly,” a fourth added.

And a fifth echoed: “I’m so glad Dianne fired back at that rehearsal comment. What the hell else do they think they’ve been doing? What a bizarre criticism #strictly.”

A sixth also argued: “I’m sorry but it’s clear that Stefan and Dianne have been rehearsing all day, every day, all week…they can’t magic more time…such an uncalled for comment! #strictly.”

“Ouch Motsi. Rehearse! I think they did #Strictly,” a seventh concurred before another hit out: “‘Let’s try next time to rehearse’what the f*** does she think they’ve been doing all week? Motsi’s on a right one this week #Strictly.” (sic)

Ms Mabuse’s comments to Ms Buswell weren’t the only ones that landed her in hot water with the Strictly fandom.

The judge also faced criticism for a “harsh” and “ridiculous” comment to Karen Carney after the former Lioness revealed she had a health condition that affected her spine.

BBC Strictly: Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis during Week Two of the series

| BBC

“I have this thing called Scheuermann’s,” Ms Carney told BBC viewers. “I’ve had it since I was a kid.

“It’s a curve in my spine. It’s really, really hard for me to open my back up. There’s just certain elements that I won’t be able to do as well as I’d like to, but Carlos has been really supportive, really encouraging.”

Despite the challenges posed by the condition, Ms Carney still performed her Tango, but during Ms Mabuse’s feedback, she made some questionable remarks.

Referring to Ms Carney’s health challenge, Ms Mabuse said to the former footballer: “It’s going to be something that we have to challenge to see how far we can really stretch and open up because it’s a ballroom dance and there’s a specific posture that we need.”

The Strictly star left some viewers “disgusted” by suggesting they could “challenge” the condition, with others saying it was too “personal”.

Dani Dyer has left the door open for a Strictly comeback, but under one strict condition (Image: Getty)

Dani Dyer is already eyeing up a sensational return to Strictly Come Dancing — but only under one condition. The Love Island winner was left devastated when she fractured her ankle in rehearsals and had to pull out of the 2025 series before the first live show. Amber Davies was drafted in as her replacement, sparking controversy over her stage background, while her professional dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin, was left without the partner he had been training with for weeks.

Now, an insider has told us Dani is determined to put things right next year — but only on her terms, as friends say it will only happen if she’s reunited with Nikita. Our source said: “Dani’s heart is still on that dancefloor. She was gutted to go out before she even had the chance to show what she could do. But the one thing she’s made clear is that she’ll only go back if Nikita is her partner again.

 

The Love Island winner was left devastated when she fractured her ankle in rehearsals (Image: BBC)
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“They had such a good bond and she doesn’t want to do it with anyone else.” The insider added: “She’s been telling friends she feels like she’s got unfinished business. For her, it’s Nikita or nothing.”

Nikita has also spoken of his disappointment, saying it “breaks my heart” that their journey ended before it had begun. Their close bond during training has fuelled speculation the BBC could reunite them if Dani is offered a place in the 2026 line-up.

Dani has opened up herself about the impact of her exit on Live and Let Dyers, the podcast she co-hosts with dad Danny Dyer.

She admitted: “The doctor said to me, if I continue dancing on this foot, it’s not going to heal, it’s going to get worse and worse and worse.”

She confessed she had been living her dream before the accident: “It was the best time of my life.

“I was so excited, happy, loving the photoshoots, the process, and of course dancing with Nikita.”

The 28-year-old also revealed the injury took a toll on her mental health. “Everyone around me was pure devastation, and that’s why I couldn’t leave the house, because I knew if someone said to me ‘are you okay Dani’ I’d just cry,” she said.

Danny rallied behind her with typically blunt advice: “What you’ve got to do is, which you have, is pull up them big girl knickers, and we f*****g get on with it, because up to this point it’s been an incredible year.”

Danny even revealed he considered stepping in as her replacement.

Dani herself hasn’t closed the door, telling listeners: “I would love to come back. My door is open.” But with sources insisting it will be “Nikita or nothing,” the ball is now in the BBC’s court.

Keir Starmer has doubled down on his attacks on Reform leader Nigel Farage – saying he would ‘tear our country apart’ and hitting out over ‘Farage boats’

Keir Starmer has doubled down on his attacks on Nigel Farage – saying the Reform chief would “tear our country apart”.

The PM and his top team have turned their fire on Mr Farage, with Mr Starmer referring to small boats in the Channel as “Farage boats”. Mr Farage has hit back claiming the PM’s attacks are putting him and his activists in danger, which Mr Starmer denied.

He told The Mirror: “That is not an accurate reflection of what I am saying. I am saying there is a fundamental fork in the road for our country.

Labour have ramped up attacks on Nigel Farage in recent days

“We can either go forward with a Labour government for patriotic national renewal, where we bring the whole country with us, our beautiful, tolerant, diverse country, or we can go for toxic division and decline that will, in my view, tear our country apart.

“I’m not going to back down from making that argument, because it’s a crucial argument to make for our country, the country that I love.”

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In an interview with GB News, Mr Starmer said the Reform leader had been “wrong” to claim during the Brexit referendum campaign in 2016 that leaving the EU would make no difference to migration policy.

He said: “We’ve now done that, but now we need to ramp that up. I would gently point out to Nigel Farage and others that before we left the EU, we had a returns agreement with every country in the EU and he told the country it would make no difference if we left. He was wrong about that.

“These are Farage boats, in many senses, that are coming across the Channel.”

Ministers have repeatedly claimed Reform’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain and apply this to people living in the UK is racist. Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Starmer said his words were not putting Mr Farage at risk, stating: “What I was doing in the speech was being absolutely crystal clear that at the next election there is a different battle to be had, a different divide in our politics.

“And it’s a really important divide for our country as to who we are. Because the divide will be Labour taking forward a patriotic national renewal programme where we fix our problems, change our country for the better.

“But where I am proud to serve the wholeof our country, our beautiful, tolerant, diverse country and bring the whole country together. Or Reform and the toxic division and divide that will come that will rip our country apart. And this is fundamental.”

And he went on: “This is a fight that matters to all of those people who love this country for what it is, love our values and do not want to see them torn apart. Which is why I held out the hand to people from other parties who I think would agree with this analysis and see it as pretty fundamentally important for our country.”

And he told Good Morning Britain that Mr Farage’s proposal would “tear our country apart”. He said: “I want to make sure that we are deporting those who are illegally here,quite right too. We’ve deported 35,000 since we’ve been in government.

“That’s the biggest number for nearly 10 years. And many will be frustrated that they need to seek change in their country. That is fundamentally different to Nigel Farage saying he wants to deport migrants who are lawfully here, who’ve been here for years, working in our schools, in our hospitals, running businesses, who are our neighbours.”

Some people were unimpressed…

Strictly Come Dancing fans have labelled Lewis Cope as a “show off” following his performance on the programme.

The Emmerdale star is one of the many famous faces taking part in this year’s series of the glitzy BBC One show. Partnered with Katya Jones, the pair have become firm favourites with viewers.

On Saturday (October 4) Lewis and Katya were back on the dance floor for the second live show. But Lewis quickly found himself in hot water after fans called out his “smug” behaviour.
 
Lewis’ performance divided viewers (Credit: BBC)

Lewis Cope performs on Strictly

On Strictly Come Dancing, Lewis and Katya performed a stunning Viennese Waltz.

The performance went down a treat with the judges, with Anton Du Beke saying: “You are very talented. You are super.”

Shirley Ballas also praised the routine, but fans couldn’t help but notice a ‘feud’ between the judge and Lewis’ partner Katya.

As for Lewis and Katya’s score, the pair bagged a total of 55 points (with 28 points that have been combined from last week) – putting them at second place on the leaderboard.
 
He performed a Viennese Waltz (Credit: BBC)

Fans call out ‘arrogant’ Lewis

However, fans couldn’t help but share their thoughts on Lewis – with some left unimpressed as they accused him of being a “show off”.

“I really can’t warm up to him, so smug,” said one disgruntled viewer on X.

Another added: “Lewis is a great dancer but idk he’s a bit too show-off-y for my liking. If he can tone it down a bit, I think l’d like his dances a bit more.”

A third chimed in: “I’m not gonna deny Lewis is talented but he’s coming across as a show off with the flipping around and it felt a little fast.”

A fourth also wrote: “Both Lewis and Katya, for me, need to make sure their routines don’t come across as trying too hard to show everything they can do. Nothing wrong with leaving us wanting a bit more.” A fifth penned: “He’s a bit too arrogant.”

 
One fan predicted Lewis could be the winner (Credit: BBC)

Other viewers praise Lewis

Nonetheless, other Strictly fans were loving Lewis, and even predicted the talented star could take home the Glitterball trophy.

“That was fantastic Lewis and Katya,” gushed one person. Another said: “Ok so Lewis is the winner right?”

Echoing their thoughts, a third wrote: “OMG Lewis and Katya Amazing Powerful Stunning loved it.”

A fourth also commented: “Lewis is so good, i just wish katya’s choreography was less showoffy and a little cleaner.”

Strictly Come Dancing airs every Saturday on BBC One.

Read more: Strictly spoiler leaks online ahead of results show as fans ‘gutted’ over first elimination

 

The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle stole the show at Paris Fashion Week as she made an unexpected visit to the French capital to show off her incredible style

Meghan Markle turned heads in Paris as she made a surprise appearance at Fashion Week, marking her first-ever attendance at the prestigious event.

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, travelled solo from her home in Montecito, California, to support longtime friend and designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently became Balenciaga’s new creative director.

A spokesperson for Meghan confirmed: “The Duchess of Sussex attended the Balenciaga show in Paris on Saturday night in support of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently assumed the role of creative director for the house. This marks her first time back to the shows in over a decade.”

The statement continued: “Over the years, the duchess has worn a number of designs by Pierpaolo. They have worked closely together, collaborating on key moments on the world stage.

Meghan Markle completely steals the show at Paris Fashion Week in jaw-dropping outfit(Image: Aissaoui Nacer / SplashNews.com)

“She has long admired his craftsmanship and modern elegance, and tonight was no different. This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”

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Meghan arrived at the show in an effortlessly chic white ensemble, pairing wide-leg trousers with a structured blazer from Balenciaga’s latest collection. The Duchess later shared glimpses of her Paris trip on Instagram, showcasing her stylish return to the fashion scene.

Meghan Markle turned heads in Paris as she made a surprise appearance at Fashion Week

The Duchess looked stunning in an all-white look

While this was her debut at Paris Fashion Week, Meghan had previously attended similar events in New York and Toronto during her acting years on Suits.

Her connection with Pierpaolo Piccioli dates back to his time at Valentino, where she famously wore several of his creations for high-profile engagements.

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Meghan no longer speaks to her father, Thomas Markle

In April 2022, she opened the Invictus Games in a tailored white Valentino suit, complete with Aquazzura heels and a matching Valentino bag. She also turned heads in a bold red Valentino gown during her and Prince Harry’s royal tour of Morocco in 2019.

The Duchess’s glamorous outing comes amid renewed attention surrounding her estranged relationships with her family members. Just days earlier, reports surfaced that her father, Thomas Markle, had been trapped in his 19th-floor apartment in the Philippines following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

His daughter, Samantha Markle, claimed online that their father was “stuck” and unable to walk, sparking widespread concern.

However, Thomas, 81, later reassured the public, saying: “Please don’t worry about me, everything is okay,” while thanking “everyone” for their concern.

Thomas has been living in Cebu, Philippines, with his son, Thomas Jr., since moving there from Mexico earlier this year.

The pair are said to have settled into a rented high-rise apartment near the city’s bustling main road.

During the most recent episode of Sunday Brunch, presenter Tim Lovejoy made a frank revelation about his hair, confessing he’d previously contemplated a hair transplant but walked out.

The 57 year old was back on television alongside co-presenter Simon Rimmer for another jam-packed Sunday Brunch, featuring guests including Kerry Godliman, Adjani Salmon, Ash, Jesse Burgess and Desiree Burch.

Whilst chatting to Adjani, attention shifted to his earlier career work, which involved creating promotional videos for a leading cosmetic surgeon and recruiting participants for them, particularly those requiring reconstructive procedures.

Tim and Simon bantered with Adjani about cosmetic surgery, with Tim joking: “Shall I? Shall I go for it?”.

This led Adjani to express his views on growing older, saying: “You know what, I feel like we need to embrace ageing. It shouldn’t be like, ‘Oh I don’t want to get old’. It should be like, ‘Oh, I’ve got seasoning’.”

Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer on Sunday Brunch (Image: Channel 4)

 

“That’s what I think!” Tim replied. “I actually sat in the chair to have a hair transplant and walked out.”

Adjani backed Tim’s decision, saying: “Why not? I think bald is working! If I get to that stage, I feel like I’d want to embrace it.”

This isn’t the first occasion Tim has discussed his hair, having previously talked about accepting his receding hairline and also revealing pictures of himself formerly wearing dreadlocks on Sunday Brunch.

During a heartfelt conversation with Lloyd Griffith last year, Tim discussed his efforts to make his hair look thicker, reports the Mirror.

He confessed: “I saw someone use it in makeup one time, I started using that powder, the powder to just thicken it up a bit. But then it’s like ‘What am I doing?’”.

Tim Lovejoy photographed in 2009 (Image: Getty)

In a previous interaction with a fan on social media, he shared his experience of dealing with hair loss over time, revealing that he eventually chose to “own it”, although it took him “a while”.

A viewer once asked on X: “Tim, when did you start losing your hair? My son is 21 and distraught as he is losing fast. Did you investigate any of the procedures available? I feel for him as it’s denting his confidence.”

To which Tim responded sympathetically, “Whether we like it or not, it’s tough. The problem with procedures is that once you’re in, you have to keep going. This is why I didn’t go through with the transplant. The only real advice is to go short and own it. It took me a while.”

It’s safe to say Coronation Street star Vicky Myers was not expecting her recent storyline on the ITV soap, which left her “quite shocked”.

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The Lisa Swain actress confessed she “didn’t see it coming” when she learned of a massive twist in store for her character. Just weeks ago, Lisa found out that her dead wife Becky Swain was actually very much alive.

The police officer had been in hiding for the past four years, and now she’s back in the lives of Lisa and their daughter Betsy Swain. Actress Amy Cudden plays Becky, and Lisa heaped praise on her co-star for how she has handled it all.

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Speaking exclusively to The Mirror at the Inside Soap Awards, Vicky spilled on what might be ahead for the family, as they navigate the return of Becky. The star confessed she questioned how they would do the storyline, while saying she had “the best job”.

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Coronation Street’s Lisa Swain actress Vicky Myers has revealed all on her ‘shock’ over the recent Becky Swain twist(Image: ITV)

She confessed: “It was quite a shock, because I didn’t see that coming. But in true soap style, the way that it was written it was great to be able to flex those acting muscles. When I first read the script I was like, how do I do this?

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“How do we do this? I’ve been singing Amy’s praises and rightly so because she has just come in to this family and to this iconic show, and she’s taken to it so brilliantly. It could have been something that was so difficult and she’s dealt with it very well indeed.

“To work with her, she’s just so lovely.” Vicky went on: “I get the best job because I get to go on set and it’s a load of fun. It is tricky but it’s an interesting story to tell.” Vicky teased we could learn more about those years prior to Becky’s fake death, and before she met Carla – or at least she hopes this will be the case.

She shared: “The backstory to that and the relationship, we get an opportunity to actually explore their relationship because there’s 20 years of history before she met Carla. So what happened between them?

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The Lisa Swain actress confessed she “didn’t see it coming” when she learned of a massive twist in store(Image: ITV)

“She’s the other mother of their only daughter. What they went through to get married, they were both in the police, so all of that exploration is really interesting.” Vicky was thrilled to scoop two awards, carrying them proudly has we chatted away.

She joked: “I’ve not been to the gym for quite some time so it’s actually giving me a bit of a workout. It’s surreal to be stood here. I’m not putting them down.”

Vicky also took the moment to credit her fans for her awards, joking “same time next year” as she dropped hints of “exciting” things on the way. She said: “To come in four years ago for four episodes as a guest role, to be holding these… the fans have done this, so thank you, thank you. Same time next year?”

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Nick Knowles’ wife Katie was rushed to hospital in (Image: Getty)

Nick Knowles’ wife, Katie Dadzie, has shared an update with fans after she was rushed to the hospital. The wife of the DIY SOS presenter went to hospital this weekend in “crippling” pain following complications from recent surgery. Katie has now revealed to fans that she is back home and sent a video message to her followers, explaining that she only had an “infection” after experiencing “loads of pain.” The glamorous businesswoman, 34, opted for an operation after struggling with years of pain from endometriosis, but her recovery has not gone quite as smoothly.

She added: “It’s awful. Nick has been making me some food, and I am mostly going to be here on the bed with my emotional support sloth doing absolutely f*** all, because it’s really painful. It’s a harder recovery, it turns out. So they’re trying to make sure that the stitches don’t come loose again. They’ve used thicker ones. But happy to be home.”

Nick had posted on social media on Saturday (October 4) that Katie was in hospital. He captioned his post: “Poor Katie Knowles back in hospital again. More complications after her lifesaving surgery last week – but still smiling thru all the pain and medical procedures (When she’s not crying with pain).

“I can’t tell you how much my wonderful wife has gone thru over the past few months – and I don’t mean just living with me – the medical procedures and painful recovery, the setbacks and starting from square one again – and she does all this with enormous resilience and determination and the occasional cry.”

“I’m so proud of her [heart emoji].” It didn’t take long before his famous friends and loyal fanbase flooded to the comments to pass on their well-wishes online. Presenter Nicki Chapman wrote: “Sending love to you both. She’s a brave one xxx” as Ollie Lockewood added: “Sending you both all our love and thoughts Xxxxx”.

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Reacting to Katie returning home from hospital, many of her fans have flooded her with support. One person said: “So glad you are home, just do nothing and let Nick look after you now, sending lots of love xxx.”

A second also commented: “Bless you Katie ! Sending you a big hug. Pleased you’re home…. Now rest xxxx.”

A third also similarly echoed: “You’ve been through so much and on top of that an infection as well! Gas pain is awful! Rest up, do nothing.”

Shirley ruffled a few feather

Strictly Come Dancing fans have called out Shirley Ballas over her critique of 2025 contestants Lewis Cope and Katya Jones.

The beloved dancer was back on the judging panel on Saturday night (October 4) for the glitzy BBC One show’s second live instalment. As usual, Shirley was on hand to share her thoughts on the famous faces taking to the dance floor.

But it appears her critique of actor Lewis Cope and pro partner Katya Jones didn’t go down well with fans, as they claimed that “Shirley isn’t even trying to hide her dislike for Katya”.
 
Lewis and Katya were back on the dance floor (Credit: BBC)

Shirley Ballas divides Strictly viewers after Lewis and Katya dance

On Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday (October 4) actor Lewis Cope and pro partner Katya Jones performed a Viennese Waltz to Lose Control by Teddy Swims.

Sharing her feedback after, Shirley told the Emmerdale star and his dancer: “The music was really refined and soft. I found it all too aggressive.”

The audience then started to boo Shirley to which she aimed her finger and told them: “Hold on, hold on, hold on.”

She went on: “If you never worked on power another day in your life, then do yourself a favour, you’re gifted in it. You can jump, you can split, you can tick all those boxes but then when you get hold of your lady there’s something like a long neck, there is something like posture.”
 
Fans called out Shirley (Credit: BBC)

What did Shirley say?

Shirley continued: “I’m not saying it has to be perfect when you create a line you can have the most ugly line and it can still look beautiful.”

Turning to Katya, Shirley said: “So for you [Katya] when he talks about refinement, that’s what he means.

“He means about the swan-like neck. I get your power, I love everything about your power, I think you’re destined for greatness in this competition but for me, I don’t see the crash, bang, wallop that everybody else sees.”

Despite her critical analysis, Shirley went on to award Lewis and Katya a score of six, giving the pair a total score of 27.
 
Fans reacted to their feedback online (Credit: BBC)

Viewers ‘convinced Shirley dislikes Katya’

However, after Shirley’s comments, Strictly viewers were left livid and accused Shirley of showing disdain towards Katya.

In recent years, fans have claimed Shirley seems to be particularly critical of particular stars of the show, including Katya. And after Shirley’s latest comments, the same claims from fans flew in.

“Shirley is already irritating me this series convinced she dislikes Katya every series,” said one person on X. Another added: “Shirley isn’t even trying to hide her dislike for Katya!”

A third chimed in: “Shirley just doesn’t like Katya does she.” Echoing their thoughts, someone else mused: “What is Shirley’s problem with Katya ? Every time Katya has a contender Shirley is harsh with him.”

Some fans ‘agree’ with Shirley Ballas

A fifth wrote: “So unprofessional and biased. Fed up of her. Feels like she’s going to have a go at him no matter what he does.” A sixth also penned: “Her cruel feud with Katya is too obvious.”

Another viewer also declared: “Shirley needs to be less obvious in her dislike of the wonderful Katya.”

Nonetheless, other Strictly fans defended Shirley, with one person writing: “I completely agree with Shirley Ballas. There’s a time for crash bang wallop. The waltz is not that time. That’s down to the choreographer and not the pupil.”

Another penned: “Why is Shirley getting [bleep]? She is right that was too over the top.” A third chimed in: “Agree with Shirley – it was too much Tango aggression in a Waltz.”

ED! has contacted Shirley’s representatives for comment.

Strictly Come Dancing airs every Saturday on BBC One.

Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the National Education Union, told The Mirror a ‘failure to invest and deliver’ was leading to a surge in support for Reform UK

NEU chief Daniel Kebede warned Nigel Farage would be a disaster for children and young people

A Nigel Farage government would be “disastrous” for children and young people, the chief of the UK’s largest education has said.

Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), told ITV a “failure to invest and deliver” was leading to a surge in support for Reform UK.

He also warned of a rise of racism inside classrooms and the scourge of kids’ addiction to social media.

Mr Kebede said: “I think the stakes are really high for Labour actually, because their failure to invest and deliver on the change that they promised is leading to a Nigel Farage government in four years time, which will be absolutely disastrous for children and disastrous for education.”

Daniel Kebede said kids are being exposed to ‘explicit, violent’ material on social media

Asked about the impact of Mr Farage party’s rise on kids, Mr Kebede said: “We’re seeing racist incidents increase in schools every year at the moment. Schools have become targeted by some of these far right groups.

“If they’re schools of sanctuary, schools that have welcomed refugees, we know that they’ve been getting bombarded with emails from concerned local residents that a school might be humanitarian in its approach to welcoming children from war zones.

“So of course, it is manifesting in schools at the moment, which is making it very difficult for teachers to deal with.

“We’ve also got the problem that actually in our curriculum and in our schools, there isn’t much space for young people to talk about what’s going on in the world around them and they want to, so there’s not much space for teachers to challenge the ideas that are manifesting in our classrooms.”

Mr Kebede also called on the Government to tackle spiralling levels of child poverty and tax tech firms to raise money for kids’ mental health support.

The former school teacher said it would be “absolutely grotesque” to keep the two-child benefit limit in place and reiterated calls on Chancellor Rachel Reeves – who is said to be thinking about removing it – to ditch the Tory-era policy.

ITV revealed in August that the number of children being sent home from school due to racist behaviour has soared to record levels. Suspensions for racism went from 7,403 in the school year ending in 2021, to 15,191 in the academic year which concluded last summer.

Mr Kebede said social media was also having an impact and said the NEU has launched a campaign named ‘Big Tech, Little Victims’.

It is calling for the age of digital consent to rise from 13 to 16 and for a windfall tax to be placed on big tech companies to raise money for child mental health services. He also said there must be space for digital literacy to be taught on the school curriculum.

“The real problem is that social media is highly addictive,” he said. “Over 40% of under 13s at the moment are on social media. 30% of their use is driven by algorithms that are largely drawing them to explicit, extreme content.

“If you go around any secondary school at the minute, every 14-year-old will have watched repeatedly on social media, on X, the Charlie Kirk (a US commentator) assassination.

“What we are exposing young people to through smartphones, through social media, is going to have long-lasting damage on society and so the Government means to take a much firmer line on it.”

A Reform UK spokesman said: “The fact that we have to argue over whether children should be taught objectively, fairly and factually or be indoctrinated by divisive and poisonous left-wing ideology is absolutely bonkers.

“If the NEU’s general secretary, who is also a self-declared Marxist, gets to preach about how children and teenagers should be taught in our schools, then parents across the country should be very worried.”

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: “Education can be the antidote to hate, and the classroom should be a safe environment where critical thinking is encouraged.

“We are providing a range of resources through our new RSHE guidance and Educate Against Hate to navigate these challenging issues. The expert-led curriculum review is also looking at the skills children need to thrive in a fast-changing online world.”